Giuseppe of Scottsdale
SOMM SMACKDOWN 2026 Held Tuesday Night in Scottsdale at VINUM55
Firstly, what is SOMM SMACKDOWN? This is an event held annually between the three locations of VINUM55 being Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler facilities. Each location picks three wines to present to the members of each location and is partnered with a distributor. Last year Phoenix took home the SOMM SMACKDOWN title which is apparently an oversized medallion named Sommelier Supremacy that hangs in their tasting room. The teams go to each location pouring their wines. Tuesday night, September 8th, we attended the one being held in Scottsdale. Unfortunately, the valuable “medal” was not on display in the hall, most likely due to security concerns! I have seen the Superbowl trophy, the Claret Jug at the R &A, etc., and was hoping to see this coveted medal.
The event was held in the RED ROOM in Scottsdale and here is a picture from VINUM55 from a previous event.
Besides the three tasting stations representing each location, a greeting table was present to pour a welcoming pour to each guest. The wines at the welcoming table were:
Details by Sinegal Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (my notes: not citrusy but more like a liquid fruit salad and very refreshing)
Chateau de Pierreclos Macon 2023
Ridge Coast Range 2025
Having only one of the opening tastings to keep my palate alert and attentive, we moved on to the Chandler Team of Chris O. and Myron with Leslie of Copa Fina. Their three wines were:
Photos ©Michael Kelly
NV Domain J. Laurens Cremant de Limoux (my notes: crisp and refreshing sparkling wine. Previously purchased at another VINUM55 event. No picture)
Yamhill Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2024 (my notes: possessed a captivating nose, but fell off in the palate)
Chateau Castagnac Fronsac Merlot 2019 (my notes: a very light and simply not enough heft. A good representation for 100% Malbec from France.)
Up next was the Phoenix team of Chris G., Dakkota with Tony of STEM the distributor. Personally, I have never been to their facility, but now that I know the famed Sommelier Supremacy hangs proudly in their tasting room I will be planning a visit soon! Their three picks for the evening were:
Photos ©Michael Kelly
NV Stephane Coquillette “Inflorescence” Brut – a sparkling made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes only (my notes: great bubbles in the glass, but missed the influence of Pinot Meunier grape found in Champagne contributing fruit and body to sparkling wines).
Remoissenet Pere & Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 – (my notes: This comes from a family vineyard that is 150 years old)
Amulet Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 – An assemblage of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc (my notes: received my third highest rating of the evening of wines tasted).
Last table was Scottsdale group comprised of Ron and Shelly with Lindsey of Maverick. Their three wines were:
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Gaia Monograph Assyrtiko 2025 (my notes: not from Santorini noted for their Assyrtiko but a nearby island. This allowed for a more affordable price point)
CHEV’ Russian River Pinot Noir 2022 (my notes: from famous winemaker Michael Brown, 100% Pinot Noir grapes, cherry and raspberry abound creating a head turning aromatics in the glass. This was my highest rated wine of the evening).
Peju Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – from Napa Valley (my notes: pleased to have tried their wine again as the last time was when they first opened. Was not generally fond of the wines, but this wine possess structure, with defined tannins that were enjoyable. They tied for the third best wine of the evening).
Wednesday evening is a tasting at the second location in Chandler and followed by a tasting at the Phoenix tasting room. Who will win the title? Each location putting forth their best selection of wines for members to taste and now the voting begins. Results should be known by Friday, but it will be challenging as all the wines were solid selections for all to taste.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Afterwards went to dinner at one of the scarce BYOB (bring your own bottle) restaurants in all of the Phoenix area called Ristorante Giuseppe. Ate with friends that also attended the VINUM55 SOMM SMACKDOWN and two couple’s brought Italian wines (Barolo & Barbaresco) and one shared a Malbec from Argentina. A great meal and conversation as always!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com